Skin Treatment Formulations

The present invention is concerned with skin treatment formulations. iany skin treatment formulations have been employed over the years. Because of the many types of skin complaints and the variation in individuals response to such formulations, a wide range of such formulations is needed.

For example, the condition known as bro idrosis is associated with excessive foot transpiration, and results in unpleasant foot odours; the condition is due to certain micro-organisms which break down the fatty constituents of unevaporated perspiration, which liberates butyric acid (the latter being the source of the unpleasant smell) .

I have now devised a skin care formulation, which in one embodiment is effective in treating bromidrosis, and in another embodiment is effective in treating acne. The formulation according to the invention comprises a major proportion by weight of boric acid and/or a perborate salt, an anti bacterial amount of a cetyl ammonium bromide salt, a cellulosic vehicle and a minor amount of one or more sodium salts.

The boric acid and/or perborate salt is typically present in an amount of 60 to 65% by weight (for example 70 to 75%). When a perborate salt is used, the latter is preferably sodium perborate. The cetyl ammonium bromide, which is typically cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (Cetri ide) is typically present in an amount of 1 to 3% by weight (for example, about 2% by weight).

The cellulosic vehicle, which is typically carboxymethyl cellulose or a sodium salt thereof, is typically present in an amount of from 15 to 30% by weight (for example, about 20 to 25% by weight) ; the function of this material is as an eroulsifier when the formulation is mixed with water, as will be described below.

The sodium salt or salts present in the formulation according to the invention are, for example, sodium chloride and sodium borate, typically in amounts of 3 to 4% by weight, and 1 to 2% by weight, respectively.

The formulation according to the invention is typically provided in dry form, for mixing with water (typically sterile water) in an amount such that the formulation is in the form of an emulsion or cream before application to the skin. The formulation according to the invention may contain further physiologically acceptable materials, which may be either pharmacologically active (e.g. a steroid) or substantially inactive (e.g. a sugar).

An exemplary formulation according to the invention for treatment of bromidrosis (Formulation A) consists of a solid mixture of 3.6% sodium chloride, 1.3% sodium borate, 71.3% boric acid, 2% Cetrimide and 21.8% carboxymethyl cellulose (all the above percentages being by weight) . Formulation A should be mixed with water (generally sterile water) in an amount of 100 ml per 13 grams of Formulation A.

The use of such a formulation has been found to reduce excessive foot transpiration and eliminate bad foot odours, without blocking the pores of the skin or causing any underisable secondary effects. The dry formulation that is, before addition of water) is inert and stable (being capable of storage without deterioration for two years or more) .

An exemplary formulation according to the invention for treatment of acne (Formulation B) is substantially similar to Formulation A, except that the amount of boric acid is reduced to 3.5% by weight, the balance being sodium perborate. Cnce again, this should be mixed with water before use.